Everything about Skateboard Nuts & Bolts – Wiki

1. Skateboard Nuts & Bolts: General Info

Bolt packs, hardware, shorties or simply nuts and bolts, connect the skateboard deck to the trucks, and are thus a very crucial part of your skateboard setup.
Here, you can learn about the different kinds of bolt packs and how to find the right bolt length.

But do they really have to be skateboard nuts and bolts?

You really shouldn’t use the nuts and bolts from your dad’s toolbox to assemble your board.
The hardware in skateboard bolt packs is specifically made to fit perfectly in the holes in your deck as well as into your trucks.

Additionally, these mounting kits include self-locking nuts, which largely prevent them from loosening due to strong vibrations or tension.
Nevertheless, after your first couple of rounds, you should check to make sure your nuts are still tight. It’s possible that they’ll have to be tightened again. After that, however, everything should remain snug and secure.

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Nuts & Bolts: Types of Bolts

2. What types of bolts are there in skateboarding?

You can find bolt packs in different lengths and shapes. The type of bolts you ultimately want to use, is simply a matter of taste.
In recent years, Allen (or socket) bolts have gained popularity over Phillips head for aesthetic reasons.

The best way to tighten nuts and bolts is by using a skate tool.
Skate tools contain both Phillips and Allen, and also have the matching Allen key for the mounting nuts, kingpin nuts, and the axle nuts.

Phillips Bolts:

Phillips bolts have a head with a cross-shaped socket. You can easily tighten these with a suitable Phillips screwdriver or the Phillips attachment of a skate tool.

Countersunk vs. Raised Head Bolts

When browsing through our skate shop you’ll find both countersunk and raised head bolts. Don’t panic though! To skate, you only need countersunk bolts. This type of screw is set in the deck to form a smooth surface that won’t interfere with your skating. Raised head bolts are especially suited for drop-through longboards and special materials in longboard construction.